Page 36 of Someone You Deserve

“Because I would love to go out with you sometime.” She bites her bottom lip and bounces her eyebrows. “I think we could have a lot of fun. Talk about baseball, how you used to be famous…”

I can’t help it. I snort. “Sorry,” I say as I turn my back to them.

“Uh, I actually am seeing someone, Miranda, so…”Liar, liar, pants on fire, big brother.

“Oh.” Her smile drops but she recovers nicely as I turn back around. “No worries. Say, do you know if Penn Sheppard is seeing anyone, then?”

My amusement from before instantly disappears. Grady looks over at me. “Uh…”

“Why do you ask?” I say, entering the conversation for the first time. I was enjoying being the spectator there for a minute, but now I feel the need to be involved.

“Come on, Astrid. You know how handsome the man is, and I’m a single woman”—she covers the side of her mouth and says with a wink—“with needs.”

I never understood the term cat fight until right now because I instantly want to claw this woman’s eyes out. “Actually, he just told me the other day that he doesn’t have time for a relationship, so…”

“That’s what all men say until they find the right woman.”

“Mom, I’m hungry!” Miranda’s daughter calls out to her from the window of her SUV, interrupting the conversation and it’s probably for the best.

“I’ll be right there!” Turning back to us, she looks me up and down, sizing up the competition I’m sure. “Penn just doesn’t realize what he needs yet.”

Grady grabs my arm, leading us back to our cars. “Have a good night, Miranda.”

She waves her fingers at us before spinning around, her hair flying through the air as she does. “Yeah. You too.”

When she gets far enough away, Grady lets out the breath he was holding. “Jesus Christ.”

I jut my thumb over my shoulder. “Is that what you deal with?”

He points to where Miranda went. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m talking about. See? Dating is a lost cause.”

I instantly think of my upcoming date with Dick and my stomach twists. “Yeah, I can see why.”

“Well, needless to say, I’m beat.” Grady leans down and kisses my cheek. “Have a good night, sis.”

“Yeah, you too. Thanks again for taking Lilly to dance.”

“Anytime.”

As I drive us home, eager for my dinner date with Willow later, I can’t get Miranda’s words out of my head.

“That’s what all men say until they find the right woman.”

Was she implying that she’s that woman for Penn?

And worse than that—what happens when Penn does find that woman?

Because I know that it can’t be me.

***

“God, I needed this.” I lift my wine glass to my lips and take a big drink, savoring the crisp Chardonnay before gulping it down.

“Well, I’m glad you could make time for us to catch up.” Willow smiles at me from the other end of the couch. It’s Friday night, we just got home from Lilly’s dance class, and my feet are throbbing, but at least I finally get a chance to relax after this crazy week. When Willow texted me earlier today asking what I was up to tonight, I immediately invited her over for wine and pizza since I know Dallas is working at the restaurant and she’d be alone. The kids are in their rooms entertaining themselves now so we can have some adult conversation.

“I know. I’ve been a horrible friend, but between the bakery and the kids, I don’t have much time for a social life right now. It’s been a long, busy week and I’m ready for the weekend to get a bit of a break and catch up with laundry. Tanya agreed to open the bakery on Saturday mornings so I can enjoy the day and go to Bentley’s soccer games without guilt.”

Willow reaches for my foot and squeezes. “Oh, Astrid. I know. I was only joking with you, but I’m glad you’re learning to find balance already. It won’t always be this crazy, but in the beginning, your life will center around your business. That’s just the way it is.”

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